What is your end goal?
A “Lactation Consultant” can mean a few different things. Technically, any lactation professional can refer to themselves as a consultant. However, there are different levels of lactation support. The first step is figuring out what your end goal is.
- Where do you see yourself?
- Where would you like to work?
- How much time/resources are you willing to invest?
You need to know the difference in the credentials to pick your path. Below is a chart describing a bit more about “Who’s Who?” in lactation support.
What are my options?
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) $625 with a $120 exam fee –
This course is through The Healthy Children Project, Center for Breastfeeding. They offer two classes: one week in person course or a self paced online. In person will be 5 full days with an exam at the end which certifies you with The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP). This certification needs to be renewed every 3 years by obtaining 18 L-CERPS (Lactation Continued Education Recognition Points).
For more information or to sign up, click here. Here’s where to learn about the ALPP.
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) $645 + Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Book (sold seperately- link to purchase)
This is a 45 hour basic lactation course through Lactation Education Resources. This is a self paced online course that is not offered in person. You have 12 months to complete the coursework. Once the coursework is completed, you will take the end exam for your certification. This is also “Phase 1” of their Lactation Consultant Training program. The CBS certification is valid for 5 years with 20 L-CERPS in order to renew. I’ll get into more detail about them after. They do offer a full Lactation Consultant Training package if you’re looking to become an IBCLC, I’d recommend that option.
For more information or to sign up, click here.
These are the two most popular and recognized credentials that I’m aware of. There are other options, refer to the “Who’s Who” chart. Links are provided for further inquiries.
What’s the difference between these courses and becoming an IBCLC?
These are very basic lactation education courses. It doesn’t get into the “nitty gritty” about breastfeeding problems and resolutions. They also do not provide you with “hands on” or “clinical” skills. Basically, anyone can be a CLC or CBS. There are no education or experience requirements to obtain these certifications. Your mechanic down the street can take this course, pass the exam and be considered a CLC or CBS.
What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?
An IBCLC is “The Gold Standard” of lactation care. This is the highest level of lactation support. It requires several health education science courses, lactation specific training courses (90 hours) then lactation specific clinical experience. Becoming an IBCLC is a lengthy process.
Health Education Science Courses
There are a couple ways to complete this requirement.
- Complete the required (8) classes
- Biology
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Infant and Child Growth and Development
- Introduction to Clinical Research
- Nutrition
- Psychology or Counselling Skills or Communication Skills
- Sociology or Cultural Sensitivity or Cultural Anthropology
You will also be required to complete (6) subjects
-
- Basic Life Support
- Medical Documentation
- Medical Terminology
- Occupational Safety and Security for Health Professionals
- Professional Ethics for Health Professionals
- Universal Safety Precautions and Infection Control
2. Be an IBCLE Recognized Healthcare Professional
-
- Dentist
- Dietician
- Midwife
- Nurse
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
- Physician or Medical Doctor
- Speech Pathologist or Therapist
Information obtained from the IBLCE website.
Many people pursuing this career are advised that you need to be an RN, IBCLC to get a position. Although many hospitals do require those specific credentials, not all do! There are plenty of other options. Don’t let that detour you from doing something that you want to do. Many lactation professionals work for themselves in private practice, too!
Lactation Specific Education
The 90 hours of lactation specific education can be achieved a few different ways. You do need to be aware when you’re signing up to complete these hours that L-CERPS are awarded. These can be obtained by completing the online lactation training, in person lactation courses or lactation conferences.
A few places to obtain online L-CERPS:
- Gold Learning
- Lactation Education Resources
- ICLA International Lactation Consultant Association
- Galactablog
- Breastfeeding Outlook
- iLactation
- Health e-learning
- Marie Biancuzzo
There are plenty more, this list is just to name a few. For information on conferences, check online or in/around your area. State breastfeeding coalitions, Le Leche League and local hospitals may also have conferences available. Some conferences may also be listed here. Here’s more information on what L-CERPs are approved.
For more information on lactation specific training approved by IBCLE, click here.
Now, back to where we first started. If you take one of the courses we first discussed to become a CLC, CBS or other lactation professional credentials, those hours will count towards the 90 hours of specific lactation training that the IBCLE requires. Keep in mind, all lactation hours need to be obtained within 5 years of your IBCLC exam date. If they are more than 5 years from your test date, they will not be counted or accepted. The IBCLE also only offers the IBCLC exam twice a year.
If you plan to take the exam after April 2021, you’ll also be required to take 5 hours of education focused directly on communication skills.
Lactation Clinical Experience
Here’s where things get tricky and confusing. There are 3 different pathways you can pursue to complete the hours. All hours must be completed within 5 years prior to your test date. Here’s a link for information about clinical experience.
Pathway 1 – 1,000 clinical hours
**This pathway is often used by recognized healthcare professionals BUT you do not need to be one in order to pursue this pathway.**
Pathway one is usually ideal for healthcare workers such as nurses, midwives and doctors working directly with breastfeeding families. Many peer counselors who work for WIC or other supportive agencies that work with breastfeeding families, may also use this pathway. You can also follow pathway 1 if you’re a volunteer with an approved organization such as Le Leche League, Breastfeeding USA or Baby Cafe.
Basically, if you’re directly supporting breastfeeding families through an approved avenue, the hours will count towards the required 1,000 hours.
Guidelines for approved hours have recently changed per IBCLE. In the past, you needed to complete these hours in person. Now, with the new guidelines, some of these hours can be obtained through supporting families online or through telehealth. They have also changed with approved volunteer organizations. You used to get automatically approved for 250 hours per year (12 months) just for volunteering with approved organizations. This has changed and starting January 2022, hours will be on an hour by hour basis only.
For more details on Pathway 1, click here.
Pathway 2 – 300 clinical hours
This pathway is specifically for those who are pursuing lactation degrees from a handful of universities. The clinical hours are provided through the schools’ academic program. These hours were also completed in person until recently when guidelines changed due to COVID-19. Obtaining the 300 clinical hours may now be completed in full online under direct supervision from their program.
For more details on Pathway 2, click here.
Pathway 3 – 500 clinical hours
This pathway is under the supervision of an approved IBCLC. You may personally seek out a mentor yourself in private practice, hospitals, WIC and various other settings. You may also use an internship program arranged through businesses such as Lactation Education Resources. Mentorship agreements should be set in place. Cover yourself and your mentor by signing a contract and working out what will be required from both of you. These mentorships can also vary in price depending on what is required and what you/your mentor is comfortable with. You used to need to complete these hours in person as well but now 100% of the 500 hours can be completed through technology platforms. This opens up opportunities! You’re now able to find mentors around the world instead of just locally – which was challenging for me.
For more details on Pathway 3, click here
Review the updated information on obtaining hours through technology platforms here.
Then what?
Exam time! As I’ve mentioned, it’s only twice a year. This exam is a global exam so it takes time to analyze. It can take roughly 3 months to receive your test results. The cost of the exam is also about $660 USD. In order to keep this credential, you’re required to complete 75 CERPs every 5 years and re-certify by exam every 10 years. Although there has been discussion to no longer require the retesting.
I think that about sums most of it up! I’m no pro, so this is just information I’ve gathered and my understanding. Don’t hold me to it. Things change all the time. Make sure you do your own research to ensure you’re going to achieve your goals accordingly.
I will add, I, personally, feel it is beneficial to have hands-on experience no matter which route you take to support breastfeeding families. Each situation is different. There are also two (or more) different people involved in each dynamic (dyad). Each baby can create a different experience for the same parent. Hands-on experience really helps you learn to consider what THAT specific baby or parent can do.
There are also some really awesome peer mentors that have no certifications and really bad IBCLCs who have all the credentials and vice versa. The credentials don’t always mean everything, but an IBCLC “should” be the highest level of lactation care. You get out of it what you put into it and who teaches you along the way 🙃
Whatever you choose…do your best, to be the best!
Support families without judgement and be there for them. Provide the information they need to do whatever they choose with it. It’s their journey, you’re just there to help guide the path when needed.
Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions.
For a full guide for the IBCLE explaining how to become an IBCLC, click here.
from lactation « WordPress.com Tag Feed https://ift.tt/2UnTXZj
article sponsered by Northern Michigan certified lactation consulting and Mother Hubbards Country Cupboard
No comments:
Post a Comment